However, if Hong Zhengqing proposes it in the name of the weapons research group, it would be a special case and a way to recruit talent, so no one could find fault with anyone else.

Hong Zhengqing had previously thought that Qiao Shouyan might have risen to his position because of his family background, but now it seems that he is quite shrewd!

He had to get things done, help people out, and make sure no one could find fault with him. After everything was over, Hong Zhengqing still had to owe Qiao Shouyan a favor for introducing him to someone.

This is no ordinary gem!

But Hong Zhengqing was actually quite happy about it, because he was envious of Meng Yingxin's design talent and wanted to bring her under his wing.

If this matter is handled well, it will indeed be a win-win situation.

“Team Leader Hong, if you intend to have Meng Yingxin join the weapons research team, I think you should act as soon as possible…” Qiao Shouyan reminded him.

"Thank you, Commander Qiao. As long as Comrade Meng is willing, this matter will not be difficult to handle. I also thank Commander Qiao for introducing such an outstanding talent to me. Thank you!" Hong Zhengqing stood up and took the initiative to shake hands with Qiao Shouyan.

"I wouldn't call it gratitude. I was just thinking of giving it a try. If I'm truly talented, it would be a good thing if I could stay in the army." Qiao Shouyan shook hands.

"Yes! Please convey this to Comrade Meng, and I will report it to my superiors."

"It was just a small favor, so I'll thank Team Leader Hong on behalf of Comrade Meng. In the future... I hope Team Leader Hong will take good care of me," Qiao Shouyan said. As he said this, he felt a bit embarrassed, as if he were speaking as a family member.

But I also felt a little pleased with myself.

"Don't worry, Commander Qiao, our research group values ​​talent the most!"

Qiao Shouyan left the weapons research group.

The so-called special handling means that some departments in the military do not have high requirements for the physical abilities of soldiers, and do not need to be as strict as those for soldiers on the front line.

For example, logistics units or medical units can be joined even if one's physical skills are average, as long as one has excellent professional qualities.

The same applies to the weapons research group.

Therefore, immediately after Qiao Shouyan left, Hong Zhengqing began writing a report to explain the situation to his superiors and express his intention to retain and recruit Meng Yingxin.

Generally speaking, if a department head personally requests to retain a talent, and the higher-ups review the application through proper procedures and confirm that there are no major issues, the request can be fulfilled.

So now, Meng Yingxin has one foot in the weapons research group.

Hong Zhengqing looked at the report he had just finished writing and was extremely excited.

Before receiving any professional and systematic training, Comrade Meng has already shown amazing talent in designing firearms for the first time. He can hardly imagine what surprises she will bring to the research team in the future if she is further trained!

"Xiao Zhang!"

"Team Leader Hong." The subordinate was called and quickly entered the office.

"Hurry up and submit this report, quick, be quick!" Hong Zhengqing said, as if afraid that the talent would be snatched away.

"Yes, Team Leader Hong." Xiao Zhang immediately went to follow up.

After his subordinates left, Hong Zhengqing picked up the design drawings that Qiao Shouyan had left behind, put on his glasses, and carefully examined them repeatedly, nodding from time to time, his face full of satisfaction.

After Qiao Shouyan left, he went directly to find Meng Yingxin.

"How is it?" Meng Yingxin asked.

In fact, she was confident. After all, she had worked under Hong Zhengqing for a long time in her previous life and knew this leader very well. She knew that he would not refuse after seeing the design drawings.

"Team Leader Hong is very satisfied with you!" Qiao Shouyan said, a smile on his face, but he was too embarrassed to show it too obviously. "Congratulations, Comrade Meng."

"But... about the assessment?" Meng Yingxin asked. She still had to pretend, and it was also a chance to talk to Qiao Shouyan more.

"Don't worry about that. I've already explained your situation to Team Leader Hong, and he'll find a way to resolve it. He said he'll write a report as soon as possible. Just wait, and I estimate... it won't be long before you can report to the weapons research group."

This wasn't an exaggeration on Qiao Shouyan's part. After all, Hong Zhengqing's reaction just now had already explained everything. He would absolutely not let go of a talent like Meng Yingxin.

If it weren't for the final assessment, Hong Zhengqing would probably have come personally to snatch the person away.

"I understand, thank you, Commander Qiao," Meng Yingxin said.

With the important matter settled, she felt much more at ease.

But now, facing Qiao Shouyan, she couldn't calm her heart completely. Looking at Qiao Shouyan, many things from her previous life played out in her mind, and she couldn't control them at all.

"No need to thank me. Team Leader Hong appreciates you. Even without me, you could still stay in the weapons research group," Qiao Shouyan said.

After explaining the follow-up matters, he should have left, but he just didn't want to go. It seemed that spending a few more minutes with Meng Yingxin would be a great thing.

"No, without Commander Qiao's introduction, I would never have been able to let Team Leader Hong see my design drawings, and joining the weapons research group would have been out of the question. So... I have to thank you for this."

"It's because you were willing to help me that I had the opportunity to stay."

"Commander Qiao, I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

This word of gratitude is what Meng Yingxin says to Qiao Shouyan at this moment, and it is also what she says across time to Qiao Shouyan, who once loved her, protected her, helped her, and saved her from danger many times.

"You're too kind..." Qiao Shouyan was embarrassed and lowered his head, not daring to meet Meng Yingxin's big eyes.

He was naturally introverted, and apart from Meng Yingxin, he had never spoken so much to any other woman.

Shyness seems to be contagious; seeing Qiao Shouyan's embarrassment, Meng Yingxin also became shy.

But we must not let this opportunity slip by.

"Commander Qiao, after I join the weapons research group, I'd like to invite you to dinner during my vacation to express my gratitude. I wonder... would you be willing?" Meng Yingxin asked, her hands behind her back, her ten fingers twisted together like a pretzel.

Qiao Shouyan: "..."

When someone extends an invitation, you should at least look them in the eye and respond; this is basic courtesy.

But when Qiao Shouyan looked at Meng Yingxin and saw that her face was flushed red because of his invitation, his already unruly heartbeat went completely out of control.

This is so cute...

How could he possibly refuse such a delicate and sweet girl who blushed and asked him to have dinner?

That's so unfair!

His future wife is so beautiful that he probably wouldn't be able to refuse any request she makes from her face and mouth.

"Commander Qiao, why aren't you saying anything?" Meng Yingxin asked nervously.

Because Qiao Shouyan hesitated to agree, Meng Yingxin began to reflect on whether she had been too proactive.

After all, Qiao Shouyan is a steady and reliable person; perhaps she should proceed cautiously and gradually…